Landscape and nature

What a beautiful spot the Middle Rhine Valley is!You can explore the romantic Rhine Valley by bicycle, on foot or by boat. Traveling by water is an especially good way to experience the many facets of the Rhine Valley.Upriver, breathtaking vistas open up at every turn. In addition to the famous Loreley cliffs, this area represents the loveliest side of the Rhine: romantic landscapes, picturesque villages and idyllic vineyards with famous appellations.You can also experience nature in its purest form up close and personal on a visit to the cold-water geyser in Andernach, in the Volcano Park (Vulkanpark), or in the Butterfly Garden (Schmetterlingsgarten) in Bendorf.The Andernach geyser reaches heights of 50 to 60 meters, making it the world’s largest cold-water geyser. It has now become a real attraction in the Volcano Park. The geyser erupts about every 100 minutes, spraying water upward for eight minutes.Another attraction with particular appeal is the Butterfly Garden (Schmetterlingsgarten) in the Sayn area of Bendorf. Amid waterfalls, ponds and exotic plants, hundreds of butterflies from all over the world flit around here, in the park surrounding the local castle. The butterflies come from South America, Africa and Asia, enchanting visitors to the garden’s pavilions.A second pavilion offers visitors a look at how these fascinating creatures develop: The “Caterpillar House” (Raupenhaus) displays tiny butterfly eggs, caterpillars and pupae showing the life cycle of a butterfly.